HARWICH – The Harwich Mariners used quality pitching and timely hitting to down Brewster, 7-2, Wednesday night in the opening game of the Cape League’s East Division playoffs.

Brewster’s depleted roster included three pitchers playing in the field and a left-handed shortstop, and the Whitecaps couldn’t keep pace with the East Division champions.

Brewster, which made a late run to earn a postseason berth, has been forced to use a makeshift lineup since Monday’s makeup game after several players left to return home and prepare for their fall college semesters.

Harwich can close out the Whitecaps in Game 2 at 4 this afternoon at Brewster.

Last night’s game was delayed two hours because of the early evening downpours and time to prepare the field.

Once they got going, Harwich was in command as Clemson’s Zack Erwin allowed two runs on six hits over six innings, and relievers Seth McGarry and Ronnie Glenn pitched three innings of hitless relief.

Ian Happ went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs for the Harwich and Skye Bolt added a solo homer.